Tag Archives: Affinity Mingle Plus Size Clothing

Summer at In Full Swing

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X-Two

X-Two

I know most of my readers are from all over the map, but every once in awhile I like to point out something local for those of you who do not like to shop online. Our friends at In Full Swing in Oakland, CA are carrying a new product line,  X-Two, and it is fun and a little sassy.  They also have the top in the photo with sleeves in the same fabric.  The sizing tends to vary by style, so stop by and let them help you choose something that looks fabulous on you.

Citron

Citron

In addition, for the last few weeks they have been receiving shipments from Citron, Flax, Tianello, and Fridaze wrinkle resistant linen. Lots of great things to choose from!

If you stop by, tell them Affinity sent you.

Peace…affinity

D.I.Y. Embellished Plus Size Military Jacket

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yours clothing jacketsYou may remember a few weeks ago I posted this Military Jacket that Yours Clothing, a plus size store in the U.K. was generous enough to send me. The details I wrote at the time are at the bottom of the page. But I could not help but think of it as a canvas for embellishment. The buttons and pendants are Burning Man related and are mostly gifts from various artists for a contribution to their work, whether monetary or social media work, or a gift at Burning Man, like the pendant from  artist JennyBird Alcantara,  since Burning Man is a Gift Economy.

Mural: American Steel Studios, Oakland CA

Mural: American Steel Studios, Oakland CA

Of course you can use anything, including glam brooches or patches or hand made buttons or vintage buttons or use old items from around your house or jewelry box or your Mom’s or Aunt’s jewelry box, or make your own buttons.  I think it’s more fun if it speaks to who you are.

Assembly Notes: It gets heavy and awkward.  When I went through all my drawers I had way more than I could use.  And it works best if you can anchor the items, i.e. secure at the top and bottom.  Many of my pendants are made to wear as necklaces and move more than I would like on the jacket.  I think it looks best if the larger pieces are at the top, and I put two large pieces on an arm.  But that is just my point of view.

assemblage jacketThis was my inspiration for the asymmetry, and I may fill in some spots or add to the other lapel, I will know more after I wear it more.  I had not done much crafting for several years until I retired recently and I had forgotten to pay attention to wearability.

I wrote this about the Yours Clothing “band jacket” in my prior post:

It is a UK Size 30-32 that fits my US size 26-28 body. The arms are a good fit for me as are the shoulders, so it is very comfortable and you know that is important to me.  And it is 100% cotton, which means that in the cool San Francisco Bay area I will be able to wear it most evenings since the temperatures stay in the 60°s here.  I have always been a pacifist so I think more of it as a “band jacket” but regardless, it is everywhere this season, and now it comes in our size.  There are epaulets on the shoulders, with buttons and similar details in the back.

Peace…affinity

photo of my embellished jacket: Great Scott Photography

Vintage Dr. Martens

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doc martensI have a friend Nancy Frank Radin, you met her here, and guess what, she does not buy retail.  This photo is of her 1980 vintage Dr. Martens.  How cool are those?  I have always had a point of view that I can’t buy vintage because it does not come in my size, and that I have to buy retail, but Nancy is proving me wrong.  Maybe it is time to try a consignment store or two.

I would love to know what your experience has been with all alternative forms of shopping: thrift stores, Facebook sites, online consignment, Goodwill.  Tell me how to do it.

Thanks Nancy, for making me think about things in a different way.

Update: May 15, 2013: Nancy’s comments: I love the look of those black and white shoes,  so graphic and comfortable yeah even good wheels and Goodwill’s have plus size racks now it’s great to repurpose and recycle clothing.

Peace…affinity

A Plus Size Dress from “My Baby Jo” at Rehearsal for Jerk Church

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Jennifer Raiser's photo of her feature on Jerk Church in the SF Chronicle

Jennifer Raiser’s photo of her feature on Jerk Church in the SF Chronicle

A few weeks ago I was hanging out in a backyard in Oakland, my brand new neighborhood.  It was hot, I was in the shade, and there was a rehearsal for Jerk Church, a creative musical learning community for musicians and non-musicians alike that gather each Sunday to break bread, share a cup and a song. I was there to hang out with my good friend Jennifer Raiser whom you have met here and here and here and here before.  Jennifer was writing this fabulous piece about Jerk Church that you can and should read right HERE.  The Church started as a group of friends just hanging out together, and have turned into performers who were going to perform that very evening, and they have a Hymnal so you can sing along if you like.

ChurchInTheYardThese men and women were dressed mainly in “Sunday Go to Meetin’ ” clothes, retro dress for the most part, either vintage or new, one of my favorite looks, and the men also looked like they could have stepped out of a backyard party that my grandmother might have given.  There were pies, and cakes, and little sandwiches and deviled eggs, my favorite, and beer and cold drinks.

kaitlin braidinglizards braidThen I turned and there was Kaitlan Hutchinson, braiding her friend Lizard’s hair in a fishtail braid (the tattoo on Lizard’s back is a Tibetan prayer).  Kaitlan was wearing a fabulous teal dress, beautifully made, and of course I had to know more about it.   The dress is a Size 1X Haute Milan Dress in Lake from My Baby Jo in Los Angeles and the material had a wonderful hand to it.  I love the crisscross in the front and the beautiful way the waist is tailored so the skirt flows into semi-pleats. I love it, and it is such a treat to just be out and about and see someone wearing something so beautiful and accessible.  And of course the hat was an extra bonus.

kaitlin better

Peace…affinity

Review of Black Maxi Dress from Yours Clothing

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black maxi YC LGYours Clothing sent me a black maxi dress that is a wear anywhere dress. This dress is a UK size 30-32 or a US size 26-28, I a quite sure a US size 30-32 could wear it. It is a light stretch jersey, very easy to wear, the armholes run fairly large and since I am 5″5″ tall, I had to shorten it a little. It could be worn anywhere, lunch, dinner, a kids birthday party, or even the opera, but in that case I think it could use some long gloves to dress it up a little.  I am wearing my husband’s grandfather’s watch as jewelry and Torrid bracelets as usual, and my Size 10 Lane Bryant flats.

maxi midriff for detail LGThe dress has a lovely twisted front detail which give it a little extra shape, and there is a tie in the back so you can pull it in or let it out at the waist as needed.  It is an elegant and comfy dress, and we know those are difficult to find.

Peace…affinity

Styling a Plus Size Maxi Dress or the DIY Plus Size Statement Necklace

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Affinity & April Photo: James Saint James Pell

Affinity & April Photo: James Saint James Pell

On Saturday night my friends hosted a table at the Crucible’s Fire & Light Soiree and Art Auction and were sweet enough to include me. As you can see, I dressed up a black dress with a fascinator I purchased in a little shop down the street and a lot of jewelry that I  upcycled.

photo: Ed Jay

photo: Ed Jay

Our friend, Dennis Bartels, the Executive Director of the Exploratorium, was being honored for his enthusiastic support of the art community so I wanted to dress up, and I knew it was an opportunity to be a little over the top since it is a pretty arty crowd.

photo: Ed Jay

photo: Ed Jay

I love this photo of Suzi Bartels and I, it was so fun to spend a little time with her.

maxi dress YC LGYours Clothing sent me the black maxi dress.  It is a UK size 30-32 or a US size 26-28 and I am quite sure a US size 30-32 could wear it. It is a light jersey, very easy to wear, the armholes run fairly large and since I am 5″5″ tall, I had to shorten it a little. It is difficult to see but there is a twisted front that is a nice detail in the torso area.  It was a great piece to accessorize and I loved that I was so comfortable and I thought the dress looked very elegant.

photo: Leori Gill

photo: Leori Gill

I think I am going to "silver leaf: this before I wear it again. photo: Leori Gill

I think I am going to “silver leaf: this before I wear it again. photo: Leori Gill

photo: Leori Gill

photo: Leori Gill

Here are the close ups of the jewelry, mostly made from vintage or thrift store finds (on Etsy) or left-overs in my jewelry box. A tutorial to come, I promise.

It was a fabulous fun filled evening and I loved being a little outrageous in my style, and have a vision for making the look a little more who I am.

Peace…affinity

Review of Plus Size Gold Lace Skater Dress From Yours Clothing

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Best Yours Clothing Gold LGLast Thursday night I went to a Fun-d-raiser for the 65 foot Truth is Beauty Sculpture that is being built to be installed at Burning Man this summer.  I wore this femme little gold lace skater dress that Yours Clothing was kind enough to send to me. They sent me a UK size 30-32 which is a US size 26-28 and it fits really well (and now they only carry a U.S. Size 24), and might be able to be worn by someone a little larger than I am.  Everyone loved it and it was fun and easy to wear.  I feel like I could wear this to lunch with the girls or to an evening out since it has such a casual yet dressy look.

better back gold YC LGI also loved the cut out back which covered my bra perfectly and adds a little extra sex appeal without actually revealing anything. And in case you have not been following along, my tattoo says affinity in Sanskrit, or actually “kindred” which was the closest iteration.

tib Marco JuliaThe event was at Marco Cochrane’s studio, and he did a live sculpture of his wife Julia while we were there.  Marco is the first person I had ever seen live sculpt, and it is a mystery to me how he gets what he sees through his eyes made into a clay, or a 65 foot steel sculpture.

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/62843802 w=600&h=338]
photos of skater dress: Leori Gill
photo of Marco and Julia: JRH Photography

Review of Plus Size Flirty Mini from Yours Clothing

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good Yours Clothing polka dot LGSince my sweetie and I bought a condo in Oakland, CA, last month I have been catching up with my friends that live on this side of the Bay and going out to lunch or a movie whenever I can.  This flirty polka dot mini dress, with leggings, is my new go-to outfit.  Yours Clothing was kind enough to send it to me to be reviewed. It is a UK Size 26 – 28 which would be a US size 22 – 24, and it is a great fit. I also love this black version with a print, which I might just have to have for the warm weather to come.  It looks fun, and it is very lightweight which is great since Oakland weather is about 10 degrees warmer than San Francisco.

I have been wearing this dress with neon pink fishnet tights from We Love Color, which come in 51 colors, and these are Plus Size “One Size” Size 1X – 3X and they fit perfectly, but I think I am at the top of their range, since I am a size 26-28, the size chart says hips to 48 inches and mine are well over 50″, they are also not very long.  I think the fishnets would also be fun with black stockings underneath them, to match the polka dot color even more, but it would have to be a pretty cold day to make that comfortable.

The silver shoes are a Size 10 from Torrid and I would love to have 10 pair of them.  They are my favorites, and I seem to have bought the last pair in the world.  And the silver belt was a gift from a friend.IMG_2783I also tried the dress with cropped tights and little black flats since it was really warm one day, but I think it looks better with long tights whether they are pink or black.

Peace…affinity

Screen Shot 2013-05-03 at 6.37.38 AM5/32013 Update:  One of my readers suggested the pink tights needed a pop of pink at the top of my body, perhaps a scarf, and I agreed.  But I am not really a scarf girl so I bought some vintage 1980s big button clip on earrings which are totally tubular for less than $10 including shipping.  We will see if that does the trick.

Top photo: Leori Gill

Plus Size “Swim Suits for All” to a Size 34

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swimsuits for all size 34 pg 1swimsuits for all size 34 pg 2Stylish Curves had a post about Swimsuits For All the other day, and since I am about to take a Water Pilates class I thought I should check it out, and of course I am always interested in whether they have any sizes larger than a size 24.  A couple of the models in their cover photo are plus size, which made me very happy. Guess what, those suits in the photos above are their suits that go to a size 34. That is amazing.  I would love to hear from any of you who buy one, how fits, whether it is well made, etc. Now of course I think they should have at least one version that does not have shorts or a swim skirt, but that is just me.

swimsuits for all size 26 affatshionistaIn fact, I see the size 26 one piece suit above in my future if water pilates works for me and I need a second suit. It is a little pricey at $76, but I am still wearing my last suit from many years ago, although I do not swim that often. Interesting, I just clicked to get additional information and the suit only comes to a 24, and it only offers the size chart to a size 24, so it does not look like the size 26 information is correct.  Ooops. Be sure to check out the size chart, it seems to run somewhat small to me… But, I especially like that the site lets me sort by size, since I am not really interested in what they have in a size I cannot fit into.

Swimsuit season is on it’s way so let me know what you are loving out there.   Here is my Torrid post on the subject, thanks to my FatToo Anonymous friends.

Peace…affinity

The Plus Size Princess Dress from Sydney’s Closet

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Explo 1The highlight of a wonderful evening…We have just moved to Oakland, CA, to a more working class neighborhood, and I was standing on the street waiting for my sweetie to pull out of the garage and pick me up and some cholo teenagers were coming down the street.  I thought “Oh no, they are going to embarrass me, the old fat lady, in a strapless ball gown”… And while they are walking by, one of them turned to me and said, “YOU LOOK LIKE A PRINCESS”.  I almost cried it made me so happy, we had a little moment and I smiled and my sweetie pulled up and I responded with, “Oh look, here is my Prince Charming now.”  I smiled and he smiled and the whole crew smiled at me. What could make my evening better than that?

The dress is from Sydney’s Closet, Size 30, although I wear a Size 26-28, and then altered to make make sure it fit. It is the dress in my “About Page” and I had it shortened to tea length because it is a lot of dress and the long length just felt too bulky and heavy to me.  I originally wore it with short dressy Ariat cowboy boots because I bought it for Joe Olivier’s  Cajun style birthday party.  But for the Gala I wore simple Lane Bryant Size 10 dressy flats.

Some of my favorite friends hosted us at the amazing Exploratorium
 Opening Gala, and when we arrived there were Rickshaws to take us from the car to the entrance to the Gala, and some guest rode on the Serpent Twins.

1807--Exploratorium-jennifer 120412_largeHere is a photo with my friend Jennifer Raiser, you can find her account of the evening here (Tom and I even get a little shout out in her fabulous narrative) in her online magazine that keeps up with all the social events in San Francisco, SFWire. My favorite line from her article is “The glee was palpable, one of the few things a scientific instrument wasn’t set up to measure.” And since it is an art and science museum, that amused me. Jennifer is a fairly new friend and I am just finding her to be a delight.  We both love connecting with people and have an interest in fashion and writing and Burning Man. That dress Jennifer is wearing is vintage Bill Blass from the early 80’s, matte sequins and aurora beads on silk mesh, purchased from Ricky’s Exceptional Treasures on eBay.

1814--Exploratorium-grouplargeWe had a wonderful supper club dinner with our friends Paul and April Buchheit and the rest of our fun dinner partners, and then there was time to explore the art and science exhibits and listen to the bands.

clarePaul and April’s friend Clare Dibble was here from Colorado for the event and she looked like spring.  Her dress was from Dress Barn and it looked great on her.  That was especially fun since like many women these days she only wears a dress occasionally.  Thanks for posing Clare.

Thanks to my sweet friends for one of my favorite evenings ever!

Screen Shot 2013-04-18 at 8.20.07 PMHere is the original photo so you can see more of the detail.

Peace…affinity

photo with Jennifer & Group: Drew Altizer Photography